Balboa 16 vs Balboa 24
How do the Balboa 16 and Balboa 24 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Balboa 16 | Balboa 16 | Balboa 24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.0 ft4.88 m | 23.6 ft7.19 m |
| Waterline length | 14.7 ft4.47 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 7.5 ft2.29 m | 8.3 ft2.54 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 2.9 ft0.89 m |
| Displacement | 1,000 lb454 kg | 2,600 lb1,179 kg |
| Ballast | 400 lb181 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 117 ft²10.9 m² | 221 ft²20.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.72 | 18.70 |
| Displacement / Length | 141 | 145 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.0 | 11.3 |
| Capsize screening | 3.00 | 2.42 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 6.0 |
Balboa 16 vs Balboa 24: the short version
- The Balboa 24 is the larger boat at 23.6 ft7.19 m LOA versus 16.0 ft4.88 m for the Balboa 16.
- The Balboa 24 is heavier, displacing about 160% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Balboa 16 carries the more powerful rig (18.7 vs 18.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Balboa 24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Balboa 24 rates better for offshore work (2.42 vs 3.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.